Dress AZZI & OSTA
Earrings AKVA Jewellery
Rings (from right to left) AKVA Jewellery, EdBlad

Ceara Coveney is the fresh-faced actress embodying Elayne in Amazon Prime’s The Wheel of Time, now in its third season on the streaming platform. Based on the novels of the same name, the fantasy series draws viewers into a realm rich with mystical prophecies, magic, and (of course) missions upon which the fate of the world rests. As Andor’s heir to the throne, Elayne is a key member of the royal family, and as such, plays a role in the show’s impending drama. Coveney took the time to share some fascinating details about her preparation for The Wheel of Time and her experience bringing the “expansive” story to life.

How much did you know about The Wheel of Time prior to joining the cast?
Honestly, I didn’t know much at all! I joined the cast in Season 2 before the first season had even been released, and I hadn’t heard of the books before. But once I was cast and started telling my family, friends, and peers about the show, I was amazed by how many people had read and loved the series. It really showed me just how much The Wheel of Time means to so many people, which made stepping into this world even more exciting.

What was your preparation process for playing Elayne like?
The first step for me was reading The Eye of the World, the first book in The Wheel of Time series, to get a sense of the world and its people. That book is also where Elayne is first introduced, and there’s a chapter rich in description about her, which gave me a strong foundation. Beyond that, I did a lot of research—because The Wheel of Time is such a beloved and detailed series, there was so much to dive into, which really helped me understand who she is.

Once I arrived in Prague for filming, the preparation became much more physical. I learned how to ride a horse and went through stunt bootcamp sessions. Since Elayne is a royal, her physicality is very specific and important, so I worked closely with our movement coach to refine how she carries herself. I also spent time developing the way she channels the One Power, making sure it felt both natural and true to her character. It was a really immersive process, and I loved every part of it.

Top ILA Official
Skirt ILA Official
Bra ERES Paris
Gloves EDGE O’ BEYOND
Earrings EdBlad
Bracelets EdBlad
Rings (from right to left) EdBlad, AKVA Jewellery
Jewelry EdBlad

Are there any aspects of her character that you resonate with as Ceara?
I really connect with Elayne’s sense of loyalty—I would do anything for my friends and family, just as she would. But that loyalty can also be a challenge, as she often finds herself caught between different sides, trying to keep everyone happy. We really see that struggle play out this season, and it’s something I deeply relate to as well. We also really see her stepping into her power and owning her strengths and I think that’s something through playing her that I’ve been encouraged to do as well.

How has it been to bring this world from the written word to the big screen? Does it feel like a bigger responsibility due to the investment viewers may already have in the characters and narrative?
Absolutely, it feels like a huge responsibility. These characters have been cherished for decades, and bringing Elayne to life as authentically as possible has always been my priority. Adaptation is its own form of storytelling, and it’s impossible to translate every detail exactly as it appears in the books. The series is a different medium with its own narrative demands, so some changes are inevitable. But at its core, the show is made with a deep love and respect for the source material, while also honouring what feels right for these characters in this particular telling of the story.

Earrings Giovanni Raspini
Necklaces Giovanni Raspini, FROU YORK
Rings right to left EdBlad, Annabel B, Serge DeNimes
Bras ERES Paris
Jacket Connolly
Skirt ANN ANDELMAN
Tights Calzedonia
Shoes ROKER

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced so far while filming The Wheel of Time? What about the biggest win?
This series has faced its fair share of challenges. Timing hasn’t always been on our side—we’ve had to pause filming multiple times due to COVID and, more recently, the writers’ and actors’ strikes. Though necessary, those disruptions can be difficult, not just logistically but also in terms of momentum and staying connected to the characters.

But despite all of that, the biggest win has been seeing it all come together. When we have cast and crew screenings and watch the episodes all together, it’s incredibly rewarding to see how everyone’s tireless hard work has paid off—often exceeding expectations. It hasn’t been smooth sailing, but the dedication and passion of the entire team have made it something really special. I feel so proud of everyone involved.

Has taking on this role changed your approach to acting in any way? If so, how?
I used to believe that acting required giving every part of yourself to a role—throwing yourself in completely and holding nothing back. But through this role, I’ve learned how important it is to take care of yourself and keep some things just for you. Prioritising what matters to you and looking after the actor as well as the character is essential, you don’t want to lose yourself along the way.

Bodysuit Critter
Earrings Giovanni Raspini
Necklaces Giovanni Raspini, AKVA Jewellery
Bracelet Giovanni Raspini
Rings (from right to left) Giovanni Raspini, EdBlad, AKVA Jewellery

How, in your opinion, has the show evolved over the past three seasons?
The scale of the show has only grown with each season. The world feels even bigger, the stakes are higher, and the storytelling is more intricate. As the characters grow and change, so does the way the show is told—it’s become richer and more layered. There’s also a confidence in the way it’s being made now; by Season 3, it feels like everything has clicked and everyone has really settled into their roles, both on and off screen, and you can feel that in the performances and the storytelling.

Were there any scenes in Season 3 that were particularly challenging for you as an actor? If so, how did you work through those moments?
There’s a scene in Episode 6 that was by far the most challenging but also the most rewarding for me. It pushed me in so many ways—I went through vocal coaching, dialect sessions, and choreography to prepare. I was incredibly nervous about whether I could pull it off because it’s such a vulnerable moment, and I had to completely throw myself into it with full trust in myself and my ability. In that scene, Elayne fully surrenders to her surroundings, and I think I had to do the same as an actor. The best moments often come from stepping outside your comfort zone, and this was definitely one of those experiences.

What was it like working on such an elaborate fantasy project?
It’s been an incredible experience. The level of detail that goes into creating this world is incredible—the costumes, the sets, the visual effects, everything is so immersive and you’re working with the cream of the crop. It’s a dream as an actor because so much of the work is done for you, every aspect of the world is so detailed and elaborate that you don’t have to imagine much; you step onto set, and you’re in The Wheel of Time universe, just as it was on the page. There’s also something really special about being part of a story this grand, with so much history and depth. It’s challenging, but it’s also the kind of work that feels truly magical.

Season 3 comes out on March 13th; how would you describe it in one word?
Expansive.

If you had a perfect day off, what would you fill it with? Activities, hobbies, friends?
A healthy mix of all three. My perfect day off would be going for a long walk, grabbing a coffee and having a big chat about nothing and everything with friends. I started pottery last year, so I’d spend a few hours at the pottery studio and then I’d probably go to the cinema in the evening!

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Ceara Coveney
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: David Reiss
Fashion Stylist: Chalisa Guerrero
MUA: Charlotte Hayward at The Wall Group
Hair Stylist: Sophie Sugarman at LMC World
Photography Assistant: Stefania Carli
Publicist: Lauren Jenkins at Pinnacle PR
Fashion Stylist Assistants: Athena Moumtzis + Sarah Porter + Maria Kiose
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Logan Dutra, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine

Heir to the Throne: Ceara Coveney on The Wheel of Time